PN 8388; 318, 340, 360, PN 8386; 383, 400 PN 8387; 426, 440 Important: Read these Instructions before attempting the installation.
Parts Included: 1 - Pro-Billet Distributor 1 - Rotor, PN - Distributor Cap 1-Advance Kit 1 - O-ring Seal 1 - Parts Bag Replacement Cap: Distributor PN 8386, PN 8387 - PN 8431 Distributor PN 8388, PN 8433
MSD Pro-Billet Ready-to-Run Chrysler V8 Distributor
Note: These distributors feature HEI style plug wire terminals. You may need to change the terminals and boots of your wires. MSD offers a kit, PN 8848, that comes with nine HEI style boots and terminals.

TIMING FUNCTIONS

Before continuing with the installation, here are a few definitions you should be aware of: Initial Timing: This is the base timing (also referred to as idle timing) of the engine before the centrifugal advance begins. Centrifugal Advance: The centrifugal (or mechanical) advance mechanism is made up of weights, springs, advance cams, and an advance stop bushing. The amount and rate of advance that your distributor is capable of is determined by the centrifugal timing. If you ever wish to lock out the centrifugal advance, refer to the centrifugal advance section. Total Timing: This is the total of the initial timing plus the centrifugal advance added together. Example: 10 Initial + 25 centrifugal = 35 Total Timing. (When checking Total timing, disconnect and plug the vacuum advance.) Vacuum Advance: The vacuum advance will advance the timing up to 10 during partial throttle driving (with 15 lbs of vacuum). The vacuum line should be routed to a ported vacuum outlet above the throttle plates.
AUTOTRONIC CONTROLS CORPORATION 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR., EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 (915) 857-5200 FAX (915) 857-3344
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
CHOOSING AN ADVANCE CURVE
The function of the advance curve is to match the ignition timing to the burning rate of the fuel and speed (rpm) of the engine. Any factor that changes the burning rate of the fuel or the engine speed can cause a need for an ignition timing change. Figure 1 shows some of the factors that will affect engine timing. FACTOR Cylinder Pressure RPM Vacuum Energy of Ignition Fuel Octane Mixture (Air/Fuel) Temperature Combustion Chamber Shape Spark Plug Location Combustion Turbulence Load Advance Timing For Low High High Low High Rich Cool Open Offset Low Light Retard Timing For High Low Low High Low Lean Hot Compact Center High Heavy
Figure 1 Ignition Timing Factors.
As you can see from the chart, most factors will change throughout the range of the engine operation. The timing mechanism of the distributor must make timing changes based on these factors. Example: An engine has 11:1 compression, a high energy ignition and turns 5,500 rpm. With the specifications given, you will have to retard the timing for the high compression, low rpm and high energy ignition. By comparing the engines specifications against the chart, a usable timing guideline can be found. Engines with a combination of items from both columns will require a timing that is set in the mid range. Obviously a full technical explanation of correct ignition timing would be very complicated. The best way to arrive at a suitable ignition curve for your engine is to use the Ignition Timing Factors Chart as a guide and compare it to the Advance Graphs in Figure 4 until a suitable curve is found. When selecting your advance curve, use detonation (engine ping) as an indicator of too much advance, and a decrease in power as an indicator of too little advance.
Tips on Selecting an Advance Curve
Use as much initial advance as possible without encountering excessive starter load. Start the centrifugal advance just above the idle rpm. The starting point of the centrifugal advance curve is controlled by the installed length and tension of the spring. How quickly the centrifugal advance (slope) comes in is controlled by the spring stiffness. The stiffer the spring, the slower the advance curve. The amount of advance is controlled by the advance bushing. The bigger the bushing, the smaller the amount of advance.
MSD IGNITION 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR., EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 (915) 857-5200 FAX (915) 857-3344
CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE CURVE
Selecting the Advance Springs
The rate, or how quick the advance comes in is determined by the type of springs which are installed on the distributor. The MSD distributors are equipped with two Heavy Silver springs installed. These will give you the slowest advance curve possible. The parts kit contains two additional sets of springs which can be used to match the advance curve to your particular application. Refer to the Spring Combination Chart (Figure 3) for combinations that can be achieved. To change the springs, remove the cap and rotor and use needlenose pliers to remove the springs. Be sure the new springs seat in the groove on the pin.

Timing Curve From Factory
SPRING COMBINATION RATE OF ADVANCE 2- Heavy Silver SLOWEST 1- Heavy Silver 1- Light Blue 1-Heavy Silver 1-Light Silver 2- Light Blue 1- Light Silver 1- Light Blue 2- Light Silver FASTEST FIGURE 4 (Page 3) A B C D E F
Figure 2 The Factory Equipped Curve. Figure 3 Spring Combination Chart.
Figure 4 Advance Curves. MSD IGNITION 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR., EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 (915) 857-5200 FAX (915) 857-3344
Selecting the Advance Stop Bushing
Three different advance stop bushings are supplied in the distributor kit. The distributor comes with a Blue (21) bushing already installed. If a different amount of centrifugal advance is desired, follow the next procedure to change the bushings. The chart in Figure 5 gives the size and approximate degrees for the corresponding bushings.
BUSHING DIAMETER Red - 0.283" Silver - 0.313" Blue - 0.343" Black - 0.375"
APPROXIMATE CRANKSHAFT DEGREES 21 18
Stop Figure 5 Advance Bushing Chart.
Changing the Advance Stop Bushings
1. Remove the distributor cap and rotor. 2. Remove the locknut and washer on the bottom of the advance assembly (Figure 6). 3. Remove the bushing and install the new one. Install the washer and locknut.
Figure 6 Changing the Advance Stop Bushing.
Locking Out the Centrifugal Advance
1. Remove the cap and rotor. 2. Remove the advance springs, weights and the advance stop bushing from the advance assembly. 3. Remove the roll-pin from the shaft and slide the retaining sleeve down (Figure 7). 4. Slide the shaft two inches out of the housing.
Figure 7 Removing the Retaining Sleeve. MSD IGNITION 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR., EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 (915) 857-5200 FAX (915) 857-3344
5. Rotate the shaft 180 and insert the advance stop bushing pin into the small hole on the advance plate (Figure 8). 6. Install the locknut and washer to the advance stop bushing pin. 7. Install the retaining sleeve and roll-pin.

Figure 8 Locking Out the Centrifugal Advance.
INSTALLING THE DISTRIBUTOR
Note: The original ballast resistor can be bypassed with the Ready-to-Run Distributor. 1. Remove the existing distributor cap without disconnecting any of the spark plug wires. 2. With the cap off, crank the engine until the rotor is aimed at a fixed point on the engine.Note this position by making a mark (Figure 9). 3. Place the distributor cap back on and note which plug wire the rotor is pointing to. MARK THE SPARK PLUG WIRES and remove the distributor cap. 4. Disconnect the wiring from the distributor. 5. Loosen the distributor hold-down clamp,slide the clamp out of the way and lift the distributor out of the engine. 6. Install the supplied O-ring seal in the Figure 9 Marking the Rotor Location. groove on the distributor land. Apply a thin layer of oil to the housing O-ring. 7. Install the distributor making sure that the rotor comes to rest pointing at the fixed mark. If the distributor will not fully seat with the rotor pointing to the marked position, you may need to rotate the oil pump shaft until the rotor lines up and the distributor fully seats. 8. Position and tighten the hold-down clamp onto the distributor. 9. Install the rotor and distributor cap. It is recommended to use a drop of Blue Loctite on the distributor cap hold down bolts. 10.Install the spark plug wires from the old cap one at a time to ensure correct location. 11.Connect the supplied wiring harness to the distributor. Route the wires to their connections as shown in Figure 10.

Figure 10 Wiring the Ready-to-Run Chrysler Distributor.
Figure 11 Connecting an MSD Ignition Control. MSD IGNITION 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR., EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 (915) 857-5200 FAX (915) 857-3344

Tech Notes

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TECH NOTES

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Service

In case of malfunction, this MSD component will be repaired free of charge according to the terms of the warranty. When returning MSD components for service, Proof of Purchase must be supplied for warranty verification. After the warranty period has expired, repair service is charged based on a minimum and maximum charge. All returns must have a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number issued to them before being returned. To obtain an RMA number please contact MSD Customer Service at (915) 855-7123 or fax a request to (915) 857-3344. Send the unit prepaid with proof of purchase to the attention of: MSD Ignition, Customer Service - RMA #, 12120 Esther Lama, Dock 5, El Paso, Texas 79936. When returning the unit for repair, leave all wires at the length in which you have them installed. Be sure to include a detailed account of any problems experienced, and what components and accessories are installed on the vehicle. The repaired unit will be returned as soon as possible after receipt, COD for any charges. (Ground shipping is covered by warranty). All units are returned regular UPS unless otherwise noted. For more information, call the MSD Customer Service Line (915) 855-7123. MSD technicians are available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday - Friday (mountain time).

SD IGNITION warrants MSD Ignition products to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and if properly installed for a period of one year from date of purchase. If found to be defective as mentioned above, it will be replaced or repaired if returned prepaid along with proof of date of purchase. This shall constitute the sole remedy of the purchaser and the sole liability of MSD Ignition. To the extent permitted by law, the foregoing is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties or representations whether expressed or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness. In no event shall MSD Ignition be liable for special or consequential damages. MSD IGNITION 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR., EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 (915) 857-5200 FAX (915) 857-3344
2006 Autotronic Controls Corporation

Limited Warranty

FRM27559

Created 03/06

Printed In U.S.A.

PN 8388; 318, 340, 360, PN 8386; 383, 400 PN 8387; 426, 440 Important: Read these instructions before attempting the installation.
Parts Included: 1 - Pro-Billet Distributor 1 - Rotor, PN - Distributor Cap 1 - Advance Kit 1 - O-ring Seal 1 - Parts Bag Replacement Cap: Distributor PN 8386, PN 8387 - PN 8431 Distributor PN 8388 - PN 8437 or PN 8433
MSD Pro-Billet Ready-to-Run Chrysler V8 Distributor
Note:The PN 8386 and PN 8387 distributors feature HEI style plug wire terminals. You may need to change the terminals and boots of your wires. MSD offers a kit, PN 8848, that comes with nine HEI style boots and terminals.

TIMING FUNCTIONS

Before continuing with the installation, here are a few definitions you should be aware of: Initial Timing: This is the base timing (also referred to as idle timing) of the engine before the centrifugal advance begins. Centrifugal Advance: The centrifugal (or mechanical) advance mechanism is made up of weights, springs, advance cams, and an advance stop bushing. The amount and rate of advance that your distributor is capable of is determined by the centrifugal timing. If you ever wish to lock out the centrifugal advance, refer to the centrifugal advance section. Total Timing: This is the total of the initial timing plus the centrifugal advance added together. Example: 10 Initial + 25 centrifugal = 35 Total Timing (When checking Total timing, disconnect and plug the vacuum advance). Vacuum Advance: The vacuum advance will advance the timing up to 10 during partial throttle driving (with 15 lbs. of vacuum). The vacuum line should be routed to a ported vacuum outlet above the throttle plates.
I G N I T I O N w w w. m s d i g n i t i o n. c o m ( 5 ) 7 - FA X ( 5 ) 7 - 4 4
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
CHOOSING AN ADVANCE CURVE
The function of the advance curve is to match the ignition timing to the burning rate of the fuel and speed (rpm) of the engine. Any factor that changes the burning rate of the fuel or the engine speed can cause a need for an ignition timing change. Figure 1 shows some of the factors that will affect engine timing. FACTOR Advance Timing For Cylinder Pressure Low RPM High Vacuum High Energy of Ignition Low Fuel Octane High Mixture (Air/Fuel) Rich Temperature Cool Combustion Chamber Shape Open Spark Plug Location Offset Combustion Turbulence Low Load Light
Figure 1 Ignition Timing Factors.
Retard Timing For High Low Low High Low Lean Hot Compact Center High Heavy
As you can see from the chart, most factors will change throughout the range of the engine operation. The timing mechanism of the distributor must make timing changes based on these factors. Example: An engine has 11:1 compression, a high energy ignition and turns 5,500 rpm. With the specifications given, you will have to retard the timing for the high compression, low rpm and high energy ignition. By comparing the engines specifications against the chart, a usable timing guideline can be found. Engines with a combination of items from both columns will require a timing that is set in the mid range. Obviously a full technical explanation of correct ignition timing would be very complicated. The best way to arrive at a suitable ignition curve for your engine is to use the Ignition Timing Factors Chart as a guide and compare it to the Advance Graphs in Figure 4 until a suitable curve is found. When selecting your advance curve, use detonation (engine ping) as an indicator of too much advance, and a decrease in power as an indicator of too little advance.
Tips on Selecting an Advance Curve
Use as much initial advance as possible without encountering excessive starter load. Start the centrifugal advance just above the idle rpm. The starting point of the centrifugal advance curve is controlled by the installed length and tension of the spring. How quickly the centrifugal advance (slope) comes in is controlled by the spring stiffness. The stiffer the spring, the slower the advance curve. The amount of advance is controlled by the advance bushing. The bigger the bushing, the smaller the amount of advance.
CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE CURVE
Selecting the Advance Springs
The rate, or how quick the advance comes in is determined by the type of springs which are installed on the distributor. The MSD distributors are equipped with two Heavy Silver springs installed. These will give you the slowest advance curve possible. The parts kit contains two additional sets of springs which can be used to match the advance curve to your particular application. Refer to the Spring Combination Chart (Figure 3) for combinations that can be achieved. To change the springs, remove the cap and rotor and use needlenose pliers to remove the springs. Be sure the new springs seat in the groove on the pin.

Timing Curve From Factory
SPRING COMBINATION RATE OF ADVANCE 2- Heavy Silver SLOWEST 1- Heavy Silver 1- Light Blue 1-Heavy Silver 1-Light Silver 2- Light Blue 1- Light Silver 1- Light Blue 2- Light Silver FASTEST FIGURE 4 A B C D E F
Figure 2 The Factory Equipped Curve. Figure 3 Spring Combination Chart.
Figure 4 Advance Curves. MSD I G N I T I O N w w w. m s d i g n i t i o n. c o m ( 5 ) 7 - FA X ( 5 ) 7 - 4 4
Selecting the Advance Stop Bushing
Three different advance stop bushings are supplied in the distributor kit. The distributor comes with a Blue (21) bushing already installed. If a different amount of centrifugal advance is desired, follow the next procedure to change the bushings. The chart in Figure 5 gives the size and approximate degrees for the corresponding bushings.
BUSHING DIAMETER Red - 0.283" Silver - 0.313" Blue - 0.343" Black - 0.375"
APPROXIMATE CRANKSHAFT DEGREES 21 18
Stop Figure 5 Advance Bushing Chart.
Changing the Advance Stop Bushings
1. Remove the distributor cap and rotor. 2. Remove the locknut and washer on the bottom of the advance assembly (Figure 6). 3. Remove the bushing and install the new one. Install the washer and locknut.
Figure 6 Changing the Advance Stop Bushing.
Locking Out the Centrifugal Advance
1. Remove the cap and rotor. 2. Remove the advance springs, weights and the advance stop bushing from the advance assembly. 3. Remove the roll-pin from the shaft and slide the retaining sleeve down (Figure 7). 4. Slide the shaft two inches out of the housing.
Figure 7 Removing the Retaining Sleeve.

5. 6. 7.

Rotate the shaft 180 and insert the advance stop bushing pin into the small hole on the advance plate (Figure 8). Install the locknut and washer to the advance stop bushing pin. Install the retaining sleeve and roll-pin.

Figure 8 Locking Out the Centrifugal Advance.
INSTALLING THE DISTRIBUTOR
1. Remove the existing distributor cap without disconnecting any of the spark plug wires. 2. With the cap off, crank the engine until the rotor is aimed at a fixed point on the engine. Note this position by making a mark (Figure 9). 3. Place the distributor cap back on and note which plug wire the rotor is pointing to. MARK THE SPARK PLUG WIRES and remove the distributor cap. 4. Disconnect the wiring from the distributor. 5. Loosen the distributor hold-down clamp, slide the clamp out of the way and lift the distributor out of the engine. 6. Install the supplied O-ring seal in the groove on the distributor land. Apply a thin layer of oil to the housing O-ring. 7. Install the distributor making sure that the rotor comes to rest pointing at the fixed Figure 9 Marking the Rotor Location. mark. If the distributor will not fully seat with the rotor pointing to the marked position, you may need to rotate the oil pump shaft until the rotor lines up and the distributor fully seats. 8. Position and tighten the hold-down clamp onto the distributor. 9. Install the rotor and distributor cap. It is recommended to use a drop of Blue Loctite on the distributor cap hold down bolts. 10.Install the spark plug wires from the old cap one at a time to ensure correct location. 11.Connect the supplied wiring harness to the distributor. Route the wires to their connections as shown in Figure 10.

MSD I G N I T I O N w w w. m s d i g n i t i o n. c o m ( 5 ) 7 - FA X ( 5 ) 7 - 4 4
Figure 10 Wiring the Ready-to-Run Chrysler Distributor.
Figure 11 Connecting an MSD Ignition Control. MSD I G N I T I O N w w w. m s d i g n i t i o n. c o m ( 5 ) 7 - FA X ( 5 ) 7 - 4 4

Tech Notes

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TECH NOTES

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Service

In case of malfunction, this MSD component will be repaired free of charge according to the terms of the warranty. When returning MSD components for warranty service, Proof of Purchase must be supplied for verification. After the warranty period has expired, repair service is based on a minimum and maximum fee. All returns must have a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number issued to them before being returned. To obtain an RMA number please contact MSD Customer Service at 1 (888) MSD-7859 or visit our website at www.msdignition.com/rma to automatically obtain a number and shipping information. When returning the unit for repair, leave all wires at the length in which you have them installed. Be sure to include a detailed account of any problems experienced, and what components and accessories are installed on the vehicle. The repaired unit will be returned as soon as possible using Ground shipping methods (ground shipping is covered by warranty). For more information, call MSD Ignition at (915) 855-7123. MSD technicians are available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday - Friday (mountain time).

MSD IGNITION warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under its intended normal use*, when properly installed and purchased from an authorized MSD dealer, for a period of one year from the date of the original purchase. This warranty is void for any products purchased through auction websites. If found to be defective as mentioned above, it will be repaired or replaced at the option of MSD Ignition. Any item that is covered under this warranty will be returned free of charge using Ground shipping methods. This shall constitute the sole remedy of the purchaser and the sole liability of MSD Ignition. To the extent permitted by law, the foregoing is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties or representation whether expressed or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness. In no event shall MSD Ignition or its suppliers be liable for special or consequential damages. *Intended normal use means that this item is being used as was originally intended and for the original application as sold by MSD Ignition. Any modifications to this item or if it is used on an application other than what MSD Ignition markets the product, the warranty will be void. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to determine that this item will work for the application they are intending. MSD Ignition will accept no liability for custom applications.

Limited Warranty

2007 Autotronic Controls Corporation

FRM28738

Revised 06/07

Printed in U.S.A.